Dr. Donald A. Steven

Dr. Donald A. Steven, provost and dean of the College and professor, School of Education, at The Citadel in South Carolina, has been appointed Rider University’s new provost and vice president of academic affairs, effective July 1, 2006, Rider President Mordechai Rozanski has announced.

Dr. Steven will succeed Dr. Phyllis Frakt, who will retire after 32 years of distinguished service to the University on June 30, 2006. She has served as Rider’s provost and vice president for academic affairs since 1995.

“Dr. Steven brings the strategic vision, new ideas and leadership qualities that best fit Rider’s needs during this important time of renewal,” President Rozanski said. “Don will be a confident advocate for our academic areas, will relate well to faculty, staff and students, and will be a valuable member of the senior team.”

Dr. Steven, who earned his Ph.D. in music composition in 1999, his MFA in 1974 from Princeton University and B.Mus. from McGill University in 1972, said, “I am truly honored to become Rider’s next provost and vice president of academic affairs. I look forward very much to working with President Rozanski and the entire Rider community as together we continue to build this fine university and to fulfill the Rider vision.”

Prior to serving as provost at The Citadel, Dr. Steven was with the State University of New York (SUNY) System from 1999 to 2004 as executive vice provost for academic affairs; head of the Office of Academic Affairs, and head of Program Review and Enrollment Planning. He also served as professor and dean of the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase; as professor and founding dean of the College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University; and as professor and chair, Department of Performance at McGill University.

His extensive publications and creative work have been in music composition, conducting, performance and production.

He and his wife, Ann, will relocate to this area in June.